The retail landscape of North Naples is undergoing a visible transformation as the void left by the collapse of big-box staples is filled by a new wave of health-conscious and specialized commerce. At the heart of this shift is the northwest corner of Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads, where a long-vacant anchor space is finally returning to its roots as a hub for groceries.
Sprouts Farmers Market is scheduled to open its doors on May 15 at 5351 Airport-Pulling Road within Ridgeport Plaza. The arrival of the Phoenix-based chain marks the second Collier County location for the brand, which has carved out a niche by prioritizing fresh produce, organic options, and bulk foods. For local residents, the opening represents more than just a new shopping option. it is the return of a grocery anchor to a site that has seen several iterations of retail dominance over the last four decades.
The new 24,491-square-foot store is slightly more compact than Sprouts’ first regional location, which opened in 2019 at Logan Landings on Logan Boulevard and Immokalee Road. This right-sizing of the footprint reflects a broader trend in modern retail, where efficiency and curated selection are replacing the sprawling, warehouse-style layouts of previous eras.
A New Look for a Familiar Corner
Visitors to Ridgeport Plaza will notice a distinct aesthetic departure from the chain’s traditional branding. The new storefront flips the standard Sprouts color scheme, featuring bold white lettering set against a vibrant green background. The signage also incorporates the company’s 2020 logo—a curling vine forming the “O” in Sprouts—which reinforces the brand’s “Where Goodness Grows” slogan.
The return of a supermarket to this specific plot is a full-circle moment for the plaza. Built in the late 1980s, the center was originally anchored by a Winn-Dixie supermarket. That store remained until 1995, when it was replaced by Bed Bath & Beyond. After the home-goods giant vacated the space a few years ago, the area remained a prominent gap in the local shopping corridor. Winn-Dixie eventually relocated across the street to Carillon Place, a space that now houses a Walmart Neighborhood Market.
Strategic Relocations and Pet Care Expansion
While Sprouts is the primary draw for the anchor space, Ridgeport Plaza is seeing a wider redistribution of tenants. Golf Galaxy, owned and operated by Dick’s Sporting Goods, is relocating from its freestanding building in the Promenade at Naples Centre to a new inline space within the plaza. The move, targeted for the third week of August, involves a significant reduction in size. The new “performance center” will span 20,780 square feet—more than 40% smaller than its previous 35,355-square-foot facility.
Despite the smaller footprint, the new location will maintain the high-tech offerings the brand is known for, including hitting bays, simulators, putting greens, and access to PGA/LPGA-certified professionals for custom fittings and lessons. The current store at 6428 Hollywood Blvd. Will remain operational until the new site officially launches.
Further south in the same inline area, Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon is preparing for an early June opening at 5327 Airport-Pulling Road. This marks the sixth location for the Florida-based brand. The storefront, which previously housed the Before & After Salon & Spa for many years, aligns with the plaza’s shift toward wellness and natural living, complementing the organic focus of the neighboring Sprouts.
| Retailer | New Square Footage | Previous/Other Location Size | Status/Opening Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprouts Farmers Market | 24,491 sq ft | 29,843 sq ft (Logan Landings) | May 15 |
| Golf Galaxy | 20,780 sq ft | 35,355 sq ft (Promenade) | Late August |
| Max’s Natural Pet | Not Specified | N/A | Early June |
Development Beyond the Plaza
The retail expansion extends beyond Ridgeport Plaza to the northwest corner of the Collier Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road intersection. Land clearing began in late February for a new 8,600-square-foot retail strip that will be anchored by a Dunkin’ drive-thru. The project, situated on a 2-acre property between VFW Golden Gate Post 7721 and the existing retail strip featuring World Bakery & Cafeteria, has faced multi-year delays due to necessary zoning changes.
Michael Koroghlian, a Naples-based franchisee who owns 27 other Dunkin’ locations in Southwest Florida, is spearheading the development. The new store will feature 1,927 square feet of interior space with seating for 18 customers. To manage high traffic volumes on Collier Boulevard, the design includes a large loop drive-thru capable of stacking more than 10 vehicles.
Koroghlian, whose franchise operations employ approximately 600 local residents, indicated that the project is roughly 12 months away from completion. While the Dunkin’ anchor is confirmed, the remaining five units in the retail strip have not yet been leased. The development also includes a commitment to environmental preservation, with nearly a third of the acreage designated as a preserve on the western end of the property.
The expansion is paired with continued community investment. Through the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, Koroghlian’s Naples Donuts LLC recently contributed $150,000 toward a “Joyful Space” interactive virtual wall at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, scheduled for unveiling on May 13.
As North Naples continues to evolve, the transition from massive, single-purpose big-box stores to diversified, “right-sized” retail centers suggests a move toward more sustainable and specialized consumer experiences. The immediate focus for residents remains the May 15 opening of Sprouts, followed by the phased arrival of Max’s and Golf Galaxy throughout the summer.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the changing retail landscape of North Naples in the comments below.
